Low water pressure throughout the home

Common Causes

1. Failed or mis-set pressure reducing valve (PRV) — most common cause
2. Corroded or scaled galvanized steel pipes restricting flow (very common in pre-1981 Innisfail homes)
3. Partially closed shut-off valve
4. Clogged aerators and shower heads (scale from hard water)
5. Low municipal supply pressure (less common — contact the Town of Innisfail)
6. Water main break nearby

What You Can Try First

1. Check if low pressure is at a single fixture or whole-house (single fixture = aerator or cartridge issue)
2. Locate the pressure reducing valve (PRV) — a bell-shaped device on the main incoming line, usually in the utility room
3. Purchase a pressure gauge (~$20) and test pressure at an outdoor hose bib — 40-60 psi is normal, below 35 psi is low
4. Clean the aerator on affected faucets — unscrew and rinse the screen under the faucet spout
5. If whole-house pressure is low and you have a PRV, try adjusting the set screw (clockwise to increase) — but do not exceed 65 psi

When to Call a Pro

• Adjusting the PRV does not resolve the issue or the PRV is stuck/corroded
• Pressure is fine at one point in the house but low elsewhere (partial blockage or corroded galvanized pipe)
• Pressure has dropped gradually over months — sign of corroding pipes or significant scale buildup
• You notice discoloured water accompanying low pressure (galvanized corrosion)

Alberta Context

Innisfail's water hardness (140-200 mg/L) causes significant scale buildup in aerators, showerheads, and inside galvanized pipes. If your home was built before 1981 and has the original galvanized pipe, low pressure is often the first sign of severe internal corrosion. A whole-home repipe may be the most cost-effective long-term solution.